Western Force to play Queensland Country at Southern Lions RUFC

Mon, Mar 4, 2024, 8:00 AM
Ben Somerford

The Western Force will head to Success next weekend for their final Super W pre-season trial game at Southern Lions Rugby Union Football Club (RUFC) against Queensland Country, headlining a festival day at the club.

Southern Lions will host a day-long 10’s tournament from 8am on Saturday 9 March across 11 different male and female divisions, with age groups from Under-15 Girls, Under-17 Boys to Open Mens and Womens and All Abilities too.

It’s the latest initiative from the Lions who won the 2023 WA Junior Club of the Year and have been home to Force women’s players like Sera Ravutudei.

The Force-Queensland clash will headline the day’s festivities at Success Regional Facility on Hammond Road, with kick-off at 4pm.

The Force’s 2024 Super W season starts on Friday 15 March against the Melbourne Rebels as part of a double-header at HBF Park, with the game in Success their final tune-up.

The 2024 Super W season looms as one of excitement for the Force women, following an off-season recruitment drive landing NZ trio Pia Tapsell, Harono Te Iringa and Sheree Hume, plus Japan internationals Natsuki Kashiwagi and Hinata Komaki and Canadian hooker Sara Cline.

Talented Reds fly-half Renae Nona has switched clubs, along with 2021 Super W Player of the Year Lucy Dinnen, with the team to be led by Wallaroos duo Trilleen Pomare and Michaela Leonard.

Force Female High Performance Manager Claudia Bell said: “The Western Force are excited to play our final women’s pre-season trial game at Southern Lions Rugby Club and headline the Club’s 10’s Tournament.

“The Force are always eager to connect with community rugby and this is a fantastic opportunity to play alongside the emerging and grass roots rugby talent of the region, both male and female.

“We’re excited to put on a show for all the participants and supporters who stick around to enjoy our final pre-season trial game ahead of our Super W campaign, against Queensland Country who’ll bring a strong side.”

The Force won 38-10 against the Melbourne Rebels in their second pre-season trial game in Melbourne on Saturday, having lost 24-14 to Japanese champions Tokyo Sankyu Phoenix in their first trial game on Friday 23 February.

Western Force v Queensland Country

Success Regional Facility, Southern Lions

Kick-off 4pm WST

Preceded by 10’s Tournament from 8am

Follow @WesternForce on Twitter for updates.